Connecting two Netcomm routers

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Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#136429 26-Nov-2013 23:32

I have two netcomm modem/routers. Primary NB304N and (just acquired) NB6Plus4zWn.

I want to use the NB6 to boost the wireless connection at the back of the house.

I’ve read a bunch of articles but unless one has the exact device described in the article then it is hard to configure without having an in-depth knowledge of wireless router functionality; and I do not.

I believe what I’m after is to bridge the two routers and not to create an Access Point?

I came across an article saying I had to wipe the firmware and install DD-WRT. Really?

So the scenario is that the 304 is connected to my PC in one corner of the house and the NB6 is to go to another corner (the very end of the house – a bedroom) to help handheld devices connect. Ethernet is impractical in the situation I have and besides, I want to make use of the router and not buy anything else.

I don’t actually know how to set up the connection as I can’t find an article that specifies the two devices I have and anything else just confuses me as terminology isn’t always consistent across devices. Netcomm don’t have an article that helps either.

What I noticed when I was trailing was that the power point I plugged the NB6 into has an unused phone jack next to it. What happens if I connect to that I wonder? I have not got around to trying that yet and wonder if I should?

I’d appreciate some advice on how to go forward please guys.

Ragnor

8219 posts

Uber Geek

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#941684 27-Nov-2013 12:41

So you want the NB6 to wirelessly bridge, ie: connect to the NB304's wifi while also offering wifi itself.

Looks like this is called Wireless Repeater mode, page 93 in the NB6 series user guide pdf.

Good luck.

Personally I'd find a way to run a cable or use power line / homeplug networking if possible.

Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#941729 27-Nov-2013 13:47

So you want the NB6 to wirelessly bridge, ie: connect to the NB304's wifi while also offering wifi itself.
YES

Looks like this is called Wireless Repeater mode, page 93 in the NB6 series user guide pdf.
THANKS. I'LL READ THAT LATER TODAY.

Personally I'd find a way to run a cable or use power line / homeplug networking if possible.
SAME. I GOT CAT6 CABLE AND WENT INTO ROOF SPACE AND LAID IT ALL OUT BUT WE CANNOT GET THROUGH THE WOODWORK. I HAVE A TELECOM MATE AND EVEN HE WAS STUMPED. SO, AS I SAID, JUST WANTING TO USE WHAT I HAVE ANY SAVE THE $.

Many Thanks
PS - not shouting :-)

Ragnor

8219 posts

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#941750 27-Nov-2013 14:12

If wireless bridge doesn't work, you can get a pair of powerline ethernet network adapters for about $80ish
http://pricespy.co.nz/category.php?o=produkt_pris_inkmoms&m=1135#prodlista

Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#941781 27-Nov-2013 15:02

Ok - read page 93 and still stuck. The content isn't really a step by step process. Also, remember I don't want to spend more $. I know about the powerline option and want to make use of the router. It's a challenge.

My next move [unless there is somebody who actually has a solution], is to contact Netcomm on a live chat.

Thank you Ragnor.

Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#943593 1-Dec-2013 08:08

Ok done.

Thanks Ragnor, it was the Wireless Repeater mode I needed. Could also choose to set up as an AP with Wireless Repeater. Once I realsied that I just needed it to act as a Repeater it was easy. Two mins and done. Working fine now and I have an extra bar on the wireless icon on the mobile.

Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#1011315 23-Mar-2014 12:38

I've been having second thought on this....I'm not certain this is working at all. There's no lights flickering.

Just to recap without having to read all the above...

I have two modems I’m trying to connect. One is a Netcomm 304N. This goes out to the net and provides wireless to the house. Works fine. It’s what I use as my main modem.

Other is a Netcomm NB6Plus Wn. I can configure this to work exactly as the 304N, and I have.

I’ve set the NB6 as an AP. This is what I thought I’d nailed this weeks ago but now I’m thinking I have not and the reason is because the NB6 lights never flicker.

Should they?

How does one actually know that the router is working as an AP?

Here’s some of what I have configured on the 304N:

Wireless – Bridge: Enabled with the MAC address of the NB6. Have also tried with this setting Disabled. Makes no diff. Currently in disabled mode.

IP: 192.168.1.1

WPS: disabled

SSID: Banana

Network Authentication: Mixed WPA2/WPA –PSK

WPA/WAPI passphrase: bugsbunny

WPA encryption: TKIP+AES

Link Type: pppoA

Chanel: 6

Band: 2.4GHz

Here’s some of what I have configured on the NB6. Terminology isn’t always exactly the same:

Wireless – Bridge: Enabled with the MAC address of the 304N

IP: 192.168.1.1

WPS: disabled

Select Wireless Network : Banana (this is the same as the SSID)

Wireless Security: Mixed WPA2 –PSK/WPA-PSK (cannot choose exactly same as the 304N).

WPA/WAPI passphrase: bugsbunny

Data encryption: TKIP+AES

Link Type: pppoA

Wireless Repeater: Channel 6 / SSID is Banana / MAC address is that of Banana / Transmission mode is 802.11g

AP Mode: Wireless Repeater only

Any advice would be appreciated.

webwat

2036 posts

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#1011343 23-Mar-2014 13:51

what do u mean by woodwork in ceiling? I guess u drilled a hole through corner of ceiling and found it went into a rafter or something? Drill it on an angle away from the direction of the rafters and see if it comes out. You should have a rough idea of where you are drilling first to avoid power cables or pipes in the roof space. Might need a longer drill to make a pilot hole that you can push a smaller wire through before you can decide what angle to drill it for your cat6.

Time to find a new industry!

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Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#1041449 10-May-2014 18:36

Hello. I'm having another crack at this. The NB6Plus lights do not flicker - so it's not working.

I currently have the main router [304] set as an AP and the listening router [nb6] in bridge mode. Also tried it in AP mode. Neither makes a difference. Both share the same security settings. I'm missing something.....

Can anyone advise please.

Cheers

FelixW

36 posts

Geek

#1041459 10-May-2014 19:02

webwat: what do u mean by woodwork in ceiling? I guess u drilled a hole through corner of ceiling and found it went into a rafter or something? Drill it on an angle away from the direction of the rafters and see if it comes out. You should have a rough idea of where you are drilling first to avoid power cables or pipes in the roof space. Might need a longer drill to make a pilot hole that you can push a smaller wire through before you can decide what angle to drill it for your cat6.

Agreed use atleast a 250mm long bit and drill on a 45*angel then poke a old coat hanger up there, tape on your cat6 then pull it through, if that fails move over 300mm then try to drill another hole and put some filler in the 1st hole, use a power drill and not a battery drill

webwat

2036 posts

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Trusted

#1041536 10-May-2014 23:15

Ragnor: So you want the NB6 to wirelessly bridge, ie: connect to the NB304's wifi while also offering wifi itself.

Looks like this is called Wireless Repeater mode, page 93 in the NB6 series user guide pdf.

Good luck.

Personally I'd find a way to run a cable or use power line / homeplug networking if possible.

Yeah that would be a repeater, all wifi as opposed to using wifi to connect cabled networks at each end.

As Ragnor said, some form of cabled connection would be a more ideal solution. Repeaters use the wireless signal they have to both uplink and provide access, so speeds will slow down hugely once the radio channel becomes congested. Also, you need to put the repeater somewhere that has a good signal to the main router but still within range of the end user devices.

Time to find a new industry!

Yorkshirekid

193 posts

Master Geek

#1041584 11-May-2014 07:24

Thanks for the replies so far. I could run a wire yes, but I don't want to do that. I have the technology in my hands right now - just can't get the thing to work. Both routers are within 2m of each other so there's nothing in the way. Once I see a flicker, then I'll move the second router to where I want it.